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Dubai: Youmzain, the world's second best turf horse in training, continues to smoothly build up for a second shot at the $5million Dubai Sheema Classic on March 29.
The five-year-old English-based horse finished an eyecatching third behind Vengeance Of Rain in last year's race before going on to narrowly miss out on winning Europe's richest horse race, the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe (Gr 1) in France.
Trained by former England soccer captain Mick Channon, Youmzain has impressed form watchers at the Nad Al Sheba gallops as he muscles up for his latest challenge. Channon indicated that the horse has 'trained on' and would give a good account of himself in the Sheema Classic.
"He's in good shape, everything has gone smoothly," said the Berkshire-based trainer during the Super Thursday meeting. "We're hoping he runs well. Everything is as we would like it to be."
Channon is also hoping that the ploy to bring the horse early to Dubai will pay dividends.
Youmzain was beaten four lengths by Dylan Thomas in the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes (Gr 1) at Ascot last July before being denied revenge by a head in October's Arc.
Those striking performance impressed the World Thoroughbred Racehorse Rankings who gave him a rating of 124. Only Soldier of Fortune is rated higher than him at 125.
High-class filly
Youmzain arrived in Dubai in January and was accompanied on the trip by $5million Dubai Duty Free hope Majestic Roi, the winner of last season's Sun Chariot Stakes who is also being aimed at the $5million Dubai Duty Free.
"She's a high-class filly who improved a lot last year and I've got no concerns that she can hold her own in the top company that will no doubt line up," commented Channon.
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